Research and Education
in the National Parks

National Park Service Research and Education in the National Parks

PART II
HISTORY OF EDUCATIONAL MOVEMENT

COMMITTEE ON STUDY OF EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

In 1928, realizing the importance of stimulating this growth of educational activities in the parks, the Secretary of the Interior appointed a committee to make a thorough study of and to report on the educational possibilities of the national parks. The Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial covered the expenses of the committee. This group of educators—consisting of Dr. John C. Merriam, chairman, and Drs. Hermon C. Bumpus, Harold C. Bryant, Vernon Kellogg, and Frank R. Oastler—made field studies during the summer of 1928 and rendered a preliminary report full of practical suggestions for promoting the educational and inspirational aspects of the parks.

This preliminary printed report issued January 9, 1929, contained the following:

1. A statement of general principles agreed upon by the committee for guidance in study of the educational problem of national parks.

2. A group of specific recommendations relating to organization of educational work in national parks, together with an outline of program for such work.

3. A memorandum regarding necessity for further research on problems involved in the educational program of national parks.

4. Recommendations by the committee relative to methods of initiation and development of an educational program for Lassen Volcanic National Park, this being a park in which educational work has not been developed. The recommendations presented relative to this park may be considered both as covering a general type of organization and as having reference specifically to the needs of Lassen Park.

Particularly significant among the specific recommendations made by the committee are the two following which relate to organization of educational work in national parks:

1. In view of the fact that the purpose of national parks is to be found in their inspirational and educational values, there should be an advisory body of five to seven of the ablest men conversant with national parks, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, on nomination by the Director of National Parks, to serve without salary, whose duty it shall be to advise the Director of National Parks on matters pertinent to educational policy and developments in national parks.

2. There should be a division of education coordinate with other divisions of the National Park Service directed by a man with the best of scientific and educational qualifications who shall administer the educational program in the parks.

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Last Modified: Sat, Feb 16 2002 10:00:00 pm PDT
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